When the Vegas Golden Knights acquired Reilly Smith from the New York Rangers in March, the expectation was simple. Give the Golden Knights forward depth and mesh well with fellow "Misfit," William Karlsson.
Nothing more. Nothing less.
So far, the results have been promising. Vegas has allowed one power play goal in its last 11 penalty kills. The return of the Toronto native has even seen him score a short-handed assist. Who did he assist? Karlsson, no less. The forward scored a point on Tuesday against the Colorado Avalanche, getting the Golden Knights a much-needed point. The "power kill" is back, baby.
Smith has also done well in his Las Vegas return overall, scoring three goals and six assists in 18 games. He has two goals and two assists in his last four games, bolstering the third line to new heights. The two-way forward's scoring acumen is proving fruitful for a Golden Knights team desperate for winger depth. How?
It's the intangibles. A player familiar with the present locker room is always a solid fit, especially with players like Karlsson, Shea Theodore, and Brayden McNabb. They know what Vegas Golden Knights hockey is all about. No single player carries the load themselves, not even Jack Eichel. That goes down to the lower lines and penalty kill, where everyone serves an integral role.
But it goes beyond this. It's also making your teammates better. That's what the 34-year-old has done in his return, specifically on the third line. Suddenly, fans are having flashbacks of 2017-18, when Smith wreaked havoc with his Swedish partner in crime. The proof is in the pudding.
How William Karlsson is thriving with his old friend, Reilly Smith, back
This season has been a quiet one for William Karlsson. He's scored nine goals and 18 assists in 2024-25.
"Those aren't William Karlsson-esque numbers," you say.
Well, here's the thing, dear reader. A major part of that equation has been injuries. The 32-year-old has only played 50 games this season, missing time because of various ailments. That includes a lower-body injury sustained in January.
He's also had issues on his wing with an underwhelming Alexander Holtz. The winger only has three goals and eight assists this season. It got to where Holtz was demoted to the Henderson Silver Knights. What's a center to do when his winger falls behind?
Why, you reunite with him like you're in Wayne's World and "Party On, Garth."
The past three games have proved this. Karlsson has two goals and an assist in his last three games. The Renaissance is enough to make the heads of skeptical podcasters explode. But that's what happens when you give a center a winger he's familiar with, whether it's on the penalty kill or at even strength.
Karlsson and Smith aren't the only "Misfit" helping the Vegas Golden Knights
Everyone's favorite "bro," Brayden McNabb, has also seen his scoring soar to new heights. The defenseman has a goal and an assist in his last two games. He was a part of Karlsson's game-winning goal on Thursday, too.
What's amazing about McNabb is he isn't known for being an offensive player. Years ago, he was primarily an offensive player who bolstered his teammates on the attack. He might've shifted over to a heavy defensive style. However, he's rediscovering that scoring touch thanks to his fellow "Misfits."
Having Smith back on the Golden Knights has some fans calling for him to stay long-term. The past three games have proven this. He's bolstered his linemates and reinvented the penalty kill, turning Vegas into a special teams force.
Who knows? It might actually happen? Smith never wanted to leave when he was first traded. This isn't a situation where the Toronto native is more focused on his son's peewee hockey career. He loves the city of Las Vegas and still has his house in Sin City. Why not give him a team-friendly deal where he creates more magic with his fellow "Misfit?"